For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Colossians 1:23
As this Christmas week comes to a close, let's take a few more moments to reflect on Jesus, the reason we celebrate Christmas. We have seen in our Bible study this week that when He came to earth, He was both fully God and fully man. We have also seen that He was involved in the creation of the world, that He holds everything together, and that He is the king. Today, our question is, "How do we respond to Jesus?" How do we respond to our king who holds everything together and sustains everything? As we study Scripture, we will see that our call is to keep following Him and obeying Him. After all, He is the king, and everyone knows that you do what the king says.
Paul teaches us how to respond to Jesus in Colossians 1. In this chapter, he taught that Jesus is supreme over everything. He created the world and holds everything together. He is over all kingdoms and dominions. He reigns supreme as king over everything. As Paul concluded his teaching about Jesus, he wrote, “You must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News” (verse 23). In other words, Paul was encouraging His readers to keep following and obeying Jesus, the king of all kings, and not to abandon their faith. He called them to persevere and to stand firm in their faith. This is how we are called to respond to Jesus, who reigns supreme over everything. We are to keep going. We are to press on in our faith, obeying Christ and living solely for Him.
Maybe you are a brand-new Christian, or maybe you have been a follower of Christ for decades. Wherever you find yourself today, your challenge is to persevere and to keep going in your faith. Obey Him. Follow Him. Reject false teaching. Turn away from sin. After all, His supremacy and kingship demand our faith and obedience.
This weekend, we are gathering virtually to worship God together. Make plans to join us virtually, inviting family and friends to join you. As you gather virtually with friends and family, set your heart and mind on Christ and His calling to follow Him faithfully.
Colossians 1:23-29
23 But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.
24 I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. 25 God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. 26 This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. 27 For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.
28 So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. 29 That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
©2025 Sagebrush Church
